Motivational speaker Tony Robbins says, “When we make choices, we need to constantly keep asking ourselves the questions that help us make the best choices." That’s because quality questions create a quality life…and a quality career.

Whether you are an executive in career transition, or one considering a new opportunity or role within your organization, it is important to ask yourself some key questions before you make a move. Doing so is part of your personal brand evaluation process, and it will greatly inform your next moves and make a difference in how you proceed.

Here’s our pick for questions to ask yourself when considering your next career move:

1. What are the future expectations of the industry sector I am considering?
You have to feel confident that the industry vertical you are joining or staying in will have significant growth opportunities over the next 5-10 years. Why would you make a strategic career move or change into a declining industry sector, such as the newspaper business?

2. What is my assessment of the senior leadership team I will be joining?
The quality of the senior leadership team needs to match your personal values, and their vision for the business must be compelling for you. If you have questions about the quality or commitment of the senior leaders, pass on the opportunity. Remember, it starts at the top.

3. Is this move aligned with my overall vision and values? Is this company or position a good match for my personal brand?
What is your personal vision for yourself and your career over the next 5-10 years, and can you see this organization and this opportunity moving you positively forward on this path?

4. Will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future? Is it a good career move or a good job?
The distinction between a good career move and just another good job are profound. Is this position a step up? Will it stretch and grow you in specific ways? You should be able to clearly articulate how this move will propel your personal brand into new areas with sustainable growth potential.

5. Will this choice bring me long-term fulfillment or short-term gratification?
If the job is just higher paying, or more of the same (and the company is flattering you to make this move), these are short-term effects that will pass quickly. The worst thing you can do is take the wrong job for short-term reasons and be unhappy again within six months.

6. Will this choice empower, inspire and motivate me?
When we are inspired, things come naturally and effortlessly. When we choose the opposite, everything becomes a struggle. Which sounds better to you?

7. Is this choice an act of faith or an act of fear?
Sometimes we are faced with career choices that require us to take a “leap of faith" in ourselves, and often we hold back for fear of leaving the security of our current role or industry sector.

8. How will this choice impact my work-life balance? What additional demands will this position require of me during the transition period and beyond?
If the culture of the company does not value the personal lives of the existing people, ask yourself if these sacrifices represent a healthy sustainable future for you. In the long run, unless you find the time for yourself and your family priorities, you will not have a career that is satisfying.

9. Who are my leadership role models? What are the characteristics that I most aspire to?
Each new leadership opportunity gives you the chance to shift your leadership to a higher level. Pick one or two top (successful) leaders you will emulate in your next role.

10. Will this change lead to long-term wealth creation vs. short-term cash compensation?
With the poor performance of the stock market in many industry sectors, we see many executives who have worked long and hard, and accumulated significant numbers of stock options that are worthless after 5-10 years. It is important to find careers that create long-term wealth as part of the compensation package.